Mardela Springs- Amy Alexander Atkins, 78, of Mardela Springs, died Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. She was born February 13, 1934 in Summit, New Jersey, a daughter of the late William and Amy (Alexander) Petz. Amy retired after 16 years as a hatchery specialist for Perdue. She loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed her flower garden, bird watching and working in her yard. She also had a special place in her heart for animals. She is survived by 4 children, Leonard T. Ward, Jr. (Nancy) of Westover, Stephen Ward (Barbara) of Edison, NJ, Linda Ward of PA and Sharon Ward of NJ; several grandchildren; 2 brothers, William Petz of Mardela Springs and Edward Petz of West Field, NJ; and 2 nieces. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Atkins; and a son, Christopher Ward. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Goslee will officiate. Interment will follow at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com